Classic apple varieties

There are many varieties of apple in the UK. An estimate as to the exact figure would be almost 3,000! Some are very good varieties, others less so. But they are all different. Knowing what to plant where, and ensuring that you will be able to enjoy the beauty of blossom and the satisfaction of being able to pick some good fruits at harvest time, are not always straightforward.

Many of these varieties are usually not to be found in retail outlets such as supermarkets. These trees are therefore quite scarce, and they are not grown in large volumes. In this section you will find brief descriptions of each tree.

Fruit trees will positively respond and grow good fruit provided the micro climate is suitable. Our customers in the north of Scotland and in Shetland grow their fruit either in pots in a sun room, or in raised beds in an annex, or have constructed a poly tunnel, well anchored to the ground to withstand strong gale force winds. The usual thin plastic sheeting of the poly tunnel has been replaced with clear polycarbonate material or clear corrugated type of translucent flexible plastic sheeting. However it is done, the main objective is to stop the salt-laden winds battering the leaf canopy of soft fruit plants and /or fruit trees. Obviously the light must not be diminished by the type of materials used. The intensity of the light and the temperature range is sufficient for most fruit trees to succeed in the Northern and Western Isles.

The other essential is to make sure there is always at any time of the year enough oxygen in the soil, which is surrounding the roots of the fruit-bearing plants or trees. Without oxygen the roots cannot perform, and the tree or fruit bush will die. For that reason, wetness of the soil is not the restricting factor; impeded drainage due to compacted top soil or rock strata is the main fault to rectify. There are several ways of doing this. One of our customers grows his trees in thoroughly cleaned big oil drums, firmly fixed to the ground in a very sheltered spot. In that way a micro climate in combination with a good volume of soil has given the tree all it needs to grow fruit well. In each oil drum 3 sizable holes are made in order to get good drainage. The holes are covered by broken bits of terracotta pots.

Summarizing, if you are willing to ensure a good micro climate and a reasonable depth of well aerated soil, you can grow top fruit and soft fruit on a Scottish Island.

I planted Katja and Discovery and they are doing very well, deliscious apples. I also planted Bramley Seedlings without much success though, no fruit so far. I hankered after a proper orchard, so decided to take my time and plant Alder and Ash all around to ward off the wind. Soil is not too bad here, though there isn’t very much of it and I spend my time scything and making compost heaps and heaving builder sacks of seaweed all winter long to top dress everything. What a joy! Your advise so much appreciated.

Hi, I plan to arrange some fruit trees in Espalier way on South and East fancing wall ( 10 meters each). I leave in Devon coast. How many trees can I plant? Do you have any suggestions to the following of my choice: Golden Delicious, Royal Gala, Sunset; pear- Conference; plum- Victoria, Marjorie’s Seeding; cherry- Sunburst, Morello. Thanks for any recommendations

I was looking to purchase a baking apple tree to put in a pot in shaded location
Having reading about watering them l realise that me using a watering can is not suitable
Can you supply both the tree and a suitable pot that helps to control the water ensuring the tree gets what it needs